Snacking and junk food consumption among primary school children: Who takes responsibility, the home or school?

Abstract

The right type of snacking can form a basis for good development and healthy living among young children. However, several factors seem to have constituted a barrier to consuming healthy snacks. This study identified the types of snacks that parents offer to children and the factors that influence snacking among children. It also examined the influence of school policy and the socio-demographic factors of parents (age and income) on snacking among children. This study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population for the study comprises all parents of primary school children in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. The sample size for the study comprised 300 parents. Six schools (three private and three government-owned primary schools in Ife-central local government were purposively selected for the study to capture socioeconomic diversity. A total of fifty parents were selected in each school. A self-designed questionnaire was used to collect data for the study. Data collected were analyzed using frequency count, percentages and chi-square. Results of the study revealed that among the types of snacks offered to children, Fruits, Nuts and Vegetables (FNV), respectively, were the least consumed. Children consume cookies more, compared to other types of snacks identified in the study; moreover, children's preferences was the major factor influencing the type of snacks consumed. The study also revealed that there was a significant relationship between snacks consumption and school policy on snacking. Also, parents who were of middle age range were less disposed to offering their children unhealthy snacks, and consumption was relatively higher among children from very high income and very low income parents. This study, therefore, recommends awareness and sensitization programs for parents to offer healthy snacks or more of Fruits, Nuts and Vegetables (FNV), and policy formulation that would confront proactive measures by school authorities.